The Sun also Rises
In memory of Thomas Scully
Gone too soon
In the fall of my senior year of high school, one of the nicest people I have ever met passed away. He was a student in my senior class and was a friend to everyone he knew. When the announcement of his untimely death rang out over the high school loud speakers, the entire senior class walked out of the school in tears. I recall driving that morning to a nearby park to sit by the lake and cry with friends. His life was full of promise, and he left this world much too soon. As part of my grieving process, I wrote a poem titled “The Sun also Rises” which was published in my high school art and literary magazine that year along with two beautiful pencil sketches of Thomas.
I graduated high school over 30 years ago. I can’t share the pencil sketches, as I don’t know how to get in touch with and obtain permission from the artist. I have instead posted two of my own photos that I think go well with the poem.
The Sun also Rises
(In memory of Thomas Scully)
As the sun goes down,
I behold the aurora of my life,
shining like a bead of quicksilver on the horizon.
And as I gaze into the filter of truth,
I see everything that I hold dear;
My Family and My Friends.
Everyone I care for,
who I have shared my inner-life with,
now to be separated from me.
I cry,
for the good times,
for the love,
for the special moments,
and for the pain that only time will wear away.
Ever so slowly,
I wipe my tears,
and wash my face in the rain.
With my last dear mortal breath,
I leave my companions of life,
knowing it is only an ephemeral farewell,
and that I will live in many golden hearts
and bright memories.
With renewed strength,
I turn towards the heavenly light,
and walk through the majestic gates,
as the sun begins to rise.
-Donald Raab
